Grand Circle Cruise Line® the Leader in River Cruising Worldwide 1 Grand Circle Cruise Line ® 347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210

GCCL TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE

Holiday Spirit Along the Seine 2021 Learn how to personalize your experience on this vacation

Grand Circle Cruise Line® The Leader in River Cruising Worldwide 1 Grand Circle Cruise Line ® 347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210

Dear Traveler,

At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. Soon, you’ll once again be discovering the places you’ve dreamed of. In the meantime, the enclosed Grand Circle Cruise Line Travel Planning Guide should help you keep those dreams vividly alive.

Before you start dreaming, please let me reassure you that your health and safety is our number one priority. As such, we’re requiring that all Grand Circle Cruise Line travelers, ship crew, Program Directors, and coach drivers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure. Our new, updated health and safety protocols are described inside.

The journey you’ve expressed interest in, Holiday Spirit Along the Seine River Cruise, will be an excellent way to resume your discoveries. It takes you into the true heart of France, thanks to our groups of 38-45 travelers. Plus, our French Program Director will reveal their country’s secret treasures as only an insider can. You can also rely on the seasoned team at our regional office in Lyon, who are ready to help 24/7 in case any unexpected circumstances arise.

Throughout your explorations, you’ll meet local people and gain an intimate understanding of the regional culture. Enjoy a sweet treat and a morning of lively conversation about life in rural France when you join a family for a Home-Hosted Visit near Rouen; and as you cruise the Seine, you’ll be joined onboard by local experts for personal demonstrations of French cooking, baking, and wine- tasting, for in-depth introductions to these quintessentially French traditions. Plus, a portion of our proceeds goes toward the charitable efforts of Grand Circle Foundation: inside you’ll also see how your travel dollar helps make the world a better place.

We understand that no two people are the same. That’s why more than 80% of our travelers take advantage of the freedom to personalize their experience. Join the 34% of travelers who extend their time abroad. Add the pre-trip extension to Paris, France, post-trip extension to France: Aix-en-Provence, or both of these extensions to your French vacation.

I hope you find this Grand Circle Travel Planning Guide helpful. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Travel Counselors at 1-800-221-2610.

Warm regards,

Harriet R. Lewis Vice Chairman Overseas Adventure Travel

P.S. For further peace of mind, please know that we are EXTENDING our Risk-Free Booking Policy through 12/31/21. Learn more at www.gct.com/riskfree-booking.

2 WHAT’S INSIDE

TRIP SUMMARY

It’s Included ...... 4

Departure Dates and Prices ...... 5

Deck Plans...... 6

Freedom to Personalize Your Experience ...... 8

DETAILED DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY ...... 9

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION ...... 24

Travel Documents & Entry Requirements ...... 26

Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ...... 28

Money Matters: Local Currency & Tipping Guidelines ...... 31

Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch ...... 35

Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits ...... 39

Climate & Average Temperatures ...... 45

Aboard Your Ship: Cabin Features, Dining & Services ...... 47

About Your Destinations: Culture, Etiquette & More...... 52

Demographics & History ...... 60

Resources: Suggested Reading & Movies ...... 63

Health & Safety Measures – Vaccines Required ...... 66

MAP ...... 67

3 Holiday Spirit Along the Seine France: Paris, Vernon, Rouen, Mantes-la-Jolie Countries: 1 | Cities: 4 | 7 Nights Aboard Our Privately Owned 120-passenger M/S Bizet

Arc De Triomphe, Paris, France

Wonder at the magic of the holiday season in France—from the "City of Light" to the charms of Rouen

$ IT’S INCLUDED 9 days from 2395 Including international airfare International airfare, airport transfers, government taxes, fees, and airline from New York fuel surcharges, unless you choose to make your own air arrangements Travel from only $267 per day Accommodations: for 7 nights aboard a private river ship in an outside cabin 20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners—plus all onboard house $ 8 days from 1595 beer, wine, and soft drinks River Cruise only 4 included tours with personal headsets and 6 Exclusive Discovery Series Travel from only $200 per day events—French gourmet cuisine discovery • Home-Hosted Visit • Private concert at Rouen’s Notre Dame Cathedral • French language lesson • French cooking lesson • Monet & His Work conversation Single Supplement: $ 495 Local Program Directors, a Grand Circle Cruise Line exclusive: These dedicated experts are with you and your group of 38-45 travelers from MAXIMIZE YOUR beginning to end to provide insider’s knowledge and a local perspective DISCOVERIES & VALUE Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers OPTIONAL EXTENSION S All port charges all with FREE Single Supplements Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per person, including tips Paris, France 3 nights pre-trip from $745 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next trip Aix-en-Provence, France 3 nights post-trip from $895 To get a richer view of the Included Features on this trip, watch our Trip Itinerary video at www.gct.com/snr2021

Holiday Spirit Along the Seine 4 HOLIDAY SPIRIT ALONG RISK-FREE BOOKING POLICY: RESERVE WITH CONFIDENCE—NOW THROUGH 12/31/21 THE SEINE We will waive any change fees if you transfer to another departure date for any reason—up until 24 hours prior to departure. 2021 DATES & PRICES See details at www.gct.com/riskfree-booking. To calculate your trip price with airfare, add deck price to air add-ons below.

CABIN CATEGORY NOV 23 NOV 30 DEC 7, 14 DEC 21

A Soprano Deck $1845 $2145 $2245 $1945 B(Top Deck w/balcony) $1795 $2095 $2195 $1895

C Alto Deck $1645 $1945 $2045 $1745 D(Lower Deck w/window) $1595 $1895 $1995 $1695

AIR ADD-ONS NOVEMBER-DECEMBER New York $800 Baltimore, Boston, Newark, Washington, DC $1000 Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, $1100 Miami, Philadelphia, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle Minneapolis, Orlando, Phoenix, Tampa $1200

Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details. SNR2021

Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our website: www.gct.com/tc. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors. Low-cost Single Supplement is $Limited low-cost Single Supplement on your main trip & FREE on all extensions.

For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.gct.com/snr2021pricing

SAVE UP TO 10% WITH OUR GOOD BUY PLAN SHARE YOUR LOVE OF TRAVEL The earlier you reserve your departure and pay in full, the more New travelers you refer will instantly save $100, and you’ll earn you’ll save—up to 10%—plus, you’ll lock in your price. increasing rewards—up to a FREE trip!

For details, visit www.gct.com/gbd For details, visit www.gct.com/va

Publication Date 1/8/21 1-800-221-2610 • www.gct.com/snr2021 5 Your Seine river ship

Sail aboard our privately owned 120-passenger M/S Bizet Designed specifically for traversing the Seine River, the M/S Bizet provides a relaxing and comfortable cruising experience between Paris and Honfleur. This ship carries three groups of up to 38-45 American travelers, each accompanied by a dedicated local Program Director.

Shipboard Features

• Dining room with single, open seating: Enjoy fine • Sun Deck: Sit outside and enjoy the view as your ship cuisine in your ship’s dining room. navigates the Seine’s gently winding waters. • Bar & lounge: Relax with friends old and new. • English-speaking crew: Our crew is dedicated to your comfort, and all shipboard announcements are made • Complimentary beverages: Enjoy house beer and in English. house wine—as well as soft drinks—at any time of day while onboard. • Smoking/non-smoking: Smoking is not permitted indoors, but is permitted on the Sun Deck. • Complimentary wireless Internet access: Connect online in cabins and common areas. Please note: Wireless • Shipboard security: State-of-the-art, shipboard radar Internet access may be limited at certain points throughout ensures safe navigation and night and in low visibility; your River Cruise. safe docking space; onboard security staff; state-of- the-art fire safety system; and secured entryway doors.

6 M/S BIZET

RESTAURANT BAR LOUNGE E

RECEPTION LIBRARY SOPRANO DECK

ALTO DECK

Registry: Malta International crew: 33 Number of cabins: CABIN CATEGORIES Size: 366x38 ft Entered service: 2002 60—all outside A B C D Passenger Decks: 3 Elevator: Yes capacity: 120

CABIN FEATURES

• Outside cabins with a river view • Cabin sizes are approximately 160-sq.-ft. Soprano Deck cabins include a private 16-sq.-ft. balcony with table and chairs • Two stationary twin beds converted to sofas each day, and back to beds each evening • All cabins have a wardrobe and a drawer, and luggage storage space under the beds • Private bath with shower, hair dryer, shampoo, and soap • Individual heating & air conditioning controls • Flat-screen color TV & radio, including CNN, movies, and a “view from the bow” camera looking from the front of your ship • Direct-dial telephone; emergency call buttons • In-room safe Admire the scenery along the Seine from your comfortable • All non-smoking cabins cabin.

1-800-221-2610 • www.gct.com

7 Freedom to Personalize Your Experience

Your Choice, Your Trip, Your Way

Extending the length of your stay in a destination can improve your overall travel experience—and allow you to seek out even more eye-opening cultural interactions. Your local Program Director will help to ensure you’re getting the personalized experiences you’re looking for. In fact, 85% of our travelers are personalizing their experience in more than 85 countries. Call us at 1-800-221-2610 to discuss personalizing your River Cruise today or visit us online at www.gct.com/ personalize-snr2021.

Maximize Your Time & Value: 55% of our travelers Cabin Upgrade: Choose the onboard experience choose to take a pre- or post-trip extension that’s right for you See more of the world and maximize your value by Perhaps you’d like to be close to the elevator, dining taking advantage of your already-included airfare. room, or even your friend’s cabin—we’ll help you On this River Cruise, you can choose between Paris, select the ship cabin or deck category that works France and Aix-en-Provence, France. best for you. Plus, when you upgrade to an upper deck cabin on this River Cruise, you can enjoy your “Break Away” Options: 30% of travelers choose to own private balcony. arrive early or stay late in their destination Before or after your main River Cruise or trip Air Options: More than 50% of our travelers extension, “break away” anywhere you’d like to go to customize their flights do more exploring entirely on your own. We make every effort to provide you with non-stop flights and acceptable connection times to and Back-to-Back River Cruises: 90% of our travelers from your destination. You also have several other who combined two vacations rated it excellent ways you can personalize your air itinerary, including Save $250 per person when you reserve two trips choosing your departure city and airline, upgrading right after one another. One of the most common your seat, and more. River Cruises travelers combine with this one is Christmas Markets Along the Danube.

Aix-en-Provence, France

Holiday Spirit Along the Seine

Holiday Spirit Along the Seine 2021 9-Day River Cruise

EXTEND YOUR TRIP PRE-TRIP Paris, France

POST-TRIP Aix-en-Provence, France

Your Day-to-Day Itinerary

9 GRAND CIRCLE CRUISE LINE

Grand Circle Cruise Line is the leader in river cruising worldwide—offering American travelers unique experiences at unbeatable value aboard our privately owned fleet of 86- to 162-passenger ships. With each River Cruise, you’ll enjoy unmatched discoveries, leisurely pacing, and the freedom to personalize your experience. Plus, Grand Circle Cruise Line is the only cruise company with expert, resident Program Directors who accompany you throughout your trip, enhancing your exploration with the kind of insight and passion that only a local can provide.

YOUR GRAND CIRCLE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

During your Grand Circle vacation, you’ll have reliable assistance available at all times from an on-site local Grand Circle Cruise Line Program Director throughout your trip, who will serve as your trip experience leader. He or she is fluent in English and can give you an inside perspective on your destinations. You will also be supported along the way by local tour guides, who lead you expertly through particular sites and cities.

Many Program Directors are graduates of professional education programs for travel guides. In addition, they receive specialized training directly from Grand Circle, based on what we’ve learned from past travelers about how to make the trip most enjoyable. Your Program Director offers both a deep knowledge of the region and a commitment to make this a very pleasant, informative, and rewarding travel experience for you.

He or she will provide sightseeing trips, handle all travel details, reserve optional tours you choose to take, oversee your Exclusive Discovery Series events, and provide any other assistance you may need.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

10 INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

International airfare, airport transfers, Local Program Directors, a Grand Circle Cruise government taxes, fees, and airline fuel Line exclusive: These dedicated experts are surcharges, unless you choose to make your with you and your group of 38-45 travelers own air arrangements from beginning to end to provide insider’s knowledge and a local perspective Accommodations: for 7 nights aboard a private river ship in an outside cabin Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers 20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners—plus all onboard house beer, wine, All port charges and soft drinks Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per 4 included tours with personal headsets and person, including tips 6 Exclusive Discovery Series events—French 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward gourmet cuisine discovery • Home-Hosted your next trip Visit • Private concert at Rouen’s Notre Dame Cathedral • French language lesson • French cooking lesson • Monet & His Work conversation

WHAT THIS TRIP IS LIKE

GROUP SIZE » You must be able to walk 1-3 miles » This trip has a group size of 38-45 travelers unassisted and participate in 2-3 hours of with our local Program Director exclusive to physical activities each day, including stairs Grand Circle » We reserve the right for our Program Directors to modify participation, or in PACING some circumstances send travelers home if » 9 days, with 7 nights aboard the M/S Bizet their limitations are impacting the group’s experience PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS » Not accessible for travelers using CLIMATE wheelchairs or scooters » Daytime temperatures range from 41-51°F » Travelers using walkers, crutches, or other during cruising season mobility aids must travel with a companion » Rain, ice, snow, and wind are possible who can assist them throughout the trip during the holiday season

TERRAIN » Travel over uneven walking surfaces, including steep and unpaved paths, hills, stairs, and cobblestones, which can be slippery in wet or colder conditions

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

11 TRANSPORTATION » Travel by 45-passenger coach and 120-passenger river ship

RIVER CRUISING » Throughout the Holiday River Cruise season, weather conditions and tides affect European river depths; water levels may require adjustments to your itinerary

CUISINE » Meals will be a mix of local specialties and familiar American standards » Meals onboard feature a variety of entrée options, including vegetarian

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

12 Holiday Spirit Along the Seine

YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY

BEGIN YOUR TRIP WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION 3 nights in Paris, France

Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 4 Paris Day 2 Arrive in Paris, France Day 5 Transfer to the M/S Bizet • Begin main trip Day 3 Paris

Day 1 Depart U.S. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps Depart today on your flight to Paris, France. you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in the lounge. Day 2 Arrive Paris, France • Embark ship • Destination: Paris Day 3 Paris • Welcome Dinner • Included Meals: Dinner • Destination: Paris • Accommodations: M/S Bizet • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activity Note: If you started your discoveries • Accommodations: M/S Bizet early with our pre-trip extension to Paris, you Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room. will meet up with the main group today. Morning: Depart for an included panoramic Morning/Afternoon: Arrive this morning or tour introducing you to the classic highlights afternoon in Paris. You are met at the airport of Paris. View the Arc de Triomphe Bizet and transferred to your ship, the M/S . (commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 and After you embark, settle into your comfortable completed in 1836) standing at the end of cabin and get acquainted with your Program the famed Champs-Elysees at the large Director and your fellow travelers. Later on central roundabout where twelve elegant, this afternoon, attend a briefing about the ship tree-lined avenues converge. You’ll also and meet the crew. Your Program Director will drive by the Cathedral of Notre Dame and answer any questions you may have. Later, the Place de la Concorde. Connecting all celebrate your arrival in France with a Welcome these iconic landmarks is the banks of the Drink onboard in the ship’s lounge. Seine River—Paris’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

13 Lunch: Return to the ship for lunch onboard in Afternoon: Arrive in Vernon early this the dining room. afternoon. With only 25,000 residents, Vernon retains the Old World charm that has endured Afternoon: Spend the afternoon making since it was founded as a royal town in the discoveries in Paris at your own pace. For ninth century. Disembark for a walking tour example, head to the Louvre using public of the city with your Program Director before transportation, exploring its many galleries at having a bit of time to stroll around this lovely your leisure. town on your own. Dinner: Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drink, Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room. followed by a Welcome Dinner aboard the ship. Evening: Enjoy some onboard entertainment Evening: You have the freedom to spend the before your ship sets sail to Rouen. rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Program Director for recommendations. Day 5 Rouen • Private concert Day 4 Paris • Vernon • French language • Destination: Rouen lesson • French gourmet cuisine discovery • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: M/S Bizet • Destination: Vernon • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room. Bizet • Accommodations: M/S Morning: Disembark in Rouen for a Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room. walking tour with a local guide. Rouen is an important French commercial port city with Morning: As you depart Paris this morning, a distinguished history dating to pre-Roman get your camera ready as your ship passes La times. But it is more “infamous” as the city Roche Guyon, where Monet’s close friend, where Joan of Arc was imprisoned, tried for the artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, established heresy, and burned at the stake in 1431. Here, a studio. Though known primarily for his you’ll stroll through the Old Quarter, with its portraits, Renoir also painted scenes of this hundreds of timber-framed houses, and you’ll beautiful area. As you cruise, admire the town’s also visit a small chocolatier for a tasty sample. castle, built on the chalk cliffs overlooking the River Seine. This castle served as German Afterwards, gather at Rouen’s Notre Dame general Erwin Rommel’s headquarters during Cathedral—a Gothic architectural treasure World War II. so inspirational to Monet—for an Exclusive Discovery Series event. For at least six You’ll also enjoy a French language lesson and centuries, Choir Masters have trained students presentation onboard about French food during in liturgical music, some going on to become an Exclusive Discovery Series event. From world-renowned conductors and composers. escargot foie gras to , you’ll learn about some You’ll revel in an inspiring private concert here. of the country’s most beloved and delectable treasures. Lunch: Return to your ship for lunch onboard in the dining room. Lunch: After our gourmet discovery, you’re sure to be hungry for lunch, served in the ship’s Afternoon: The rest of the afternoon will be dining room. yours to make your own discoveries.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

14 Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room. Day 7 Mantes-la-Jolie • Optional Versailles

Evening: The ship will remain docked in Rouen tour • Monet & His Work conversation tonight. You may spend the evening as you • Destination: Mantes-la-Jolie wish—perhaps returning to town for one last • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner walk, or enjoying a nightcap at the ship’s bar. • Accommodations: M/S Bizet

Activity Note: To take advantage of our optional Day 6 Rouen • Home-Hosted Visit • tour, you must purchase it 45 days in advance, Mantes-la-Jolie prior to your departure. This tour features • Destination: Rouen sustained walking and standing, and we could • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner encounter crowds. • Accommodations: M/S Bizet Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room. Activity Note: Due to holiday schedules, our Morning: You’ll have time at leisure to explore Home-Hosted Visit will be subject to change for Mantes-la-Jolie on your own this morning, our 12/21/21 departure. being sure to visit its most beloved building, the Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room. Notre Dame Cathedral. Dating from the end of the twelfth century, Notre Dame replaced the Morning: Visit a family at their home in church burned down by William the Conqueror Rouen, where you’ll share both a lively cultural in 1087, during a siege of the town that cost exchange and a few local treats during an him his life. Exclusive Discovery Series event. Or, join an optional tour of the Palace of Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room. Versailles. This morning excursion to the Afternoon: Your ship sets sail for palace includes a guided tour through its Grand Mantes-la-Jolie, arriving late this evening. As Chambers, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal you cruise, you’ll enjoy an Exclusive Discovery Chapel. You’ll marvel at luminous decorations Series event, a French cooking lesson given by of marble, chased bronze, and gold leaf, with your Executive Chef. You may even choose to Rococo-style woodwork, and Italian-style take part in a galley tour, led by your Program painted ceilings—the home of 3,000 princes, Director. ministers, and servants.

Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room. Lunch: Enjoy lunch onboard in the ship’s dining room as your ship will set sail for Paris. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps Afternoon: As you cruise, you’ll enjoy an you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in Exclusive Discovery Series presentation about the lounge. Monet and his work. Over the course of two years, Monet painted Rouen’s Notre Dame Cathedral more than 20 times, capturing how variations in light due to weather and time of day changed the image he saw before him.

Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

15 Evening: Arrive in Paris late this evening; your known for its collection of Impressionist, ship will remain docked here overnight. post-Impressionist, and Art Nouveau works. In advance of the 1900 World’s Fair, the architect Day 8 Paris • Montmartre Victor Laloux won a competition to build a new train station, which he gave a facade of a classic • Destination: Montmartre stone hotel, creating a structure that naturally • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner integrated with its elegant neighborhood. The • Accommodations: M/S Bizet 1898 building served a number of purposes Activity Note: The Montmartre tour features after 1940, when it was no longer suitable walking up and down cobblestone streets. for modern trains. It was classified as a Historical Monument in 1976 and opened as a Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room. museum in 1986.

Morning: Join an included tour to Montmartre, Dinner: Tonight, gather with your fellow one of the most famous districts in Paris. A travelers onboard for a Farewell Drink followed lively area that has attracted artists since the by a Farewell Dinner in the dining room. 1800s, Montmartre is located on the highest hill in Paris. Explore the romantic Montmartre Evening: You have the freedom to spend the area and the small streets that wind through rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll it, perhaps capturing some of the ambiance enjoy a final nightcap at the bar and toast to from the time of Monet, Van Gogh, and your discoveries. Toulouse-Lautrec. You’ll have free time for a stop at a cafe for a drink and do some holiday Day 9 Return to U.S. shopping. • Included Meals: Breakfast

Lunch: Return to the ship for lunch in the Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room. dining room. Morning: You’ll be assisted to the airport Afternoon: Discover Paris at your own pace for your return flight home. Or, begin your this afternoon, perhaps visiting the Musee post-trip extension in Aix-en-Provence, France. d’Orsay, housed in a notable building and

END YOUR TRIP WITH AN OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION 3 nights in Aix-en-Provence, France

Day 1 Arrive Aix-en-Provence, France Day 3 Aix-en-Provence Day 2 Aix-en-Provence Day 4 Return to U.S.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

16 OPTIONAL TOURS

During your trip you will be able to book optional tours directly with us. You will be asked to confirm the payment for these tours by filling out a payment form. Optional tours can only be purchased with a credit or debit card. We accept MasterCard and Visa on all trips, and Discover on all trips except river cruises in France. We also accept Visa and MasterCard debit cards, but it must be a debit card that allows you to sign for purchases.

In order to correctly process these charges, there can be a delay of 2-3 months from the date of your return for the charges to be posted to your account. Therefore we ask that you use a card that will not expire in the 2-3 months following your return.

Please note: Optional tour prices are listed in U.S. dollar estimates determined at the time of publication and are subject to change. Optional tours may vary.

Versailles (Day 7 $80 per person)

This excursion brings you to the Palace of Versailles—the former home of 3,000 princes, ministers, and servants. Your guided tour will take you through the palace’s Grand Chambers, the Hall of Mirrors (where the Treaty of Versailles, ending World War I, was signed in 1919), and the Royal Chapel. You’ll marvel at the luminous decor in marble, chased bronze, and golf leaf, as well as Rococo-style woodwork and Italian-style painted ceilings. As you explore, you’ll discover how much the palace has been expanded and embellished since Louis XIII first built a modest hunting lodge here in 1623. You’ll also enjoy time to visit the magnificent French gardens at your leisure.

To take advantage of this optional tour, you must purchase it 45 days in advance, prior to your departure. Expect lines at the entrance, even for groups with reservations. To ensure that all guests are able to view the exhibits, the time you spend in each room is limited by palace staff, and please be aware that this tour features sustained walking and standing.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

17 PRE-TRIP Paris, France

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Accommodations for 3 nights » Personal headsets throughout your trip » 3 breakfasts extension » Dedicated services of a local » Gratuities for local guides and Program Director motorcoach drivers » All transfers

PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Join us on this extension for additional time to explore romantic Paris, the “City of Light.” An included tour along its charming avenues and bustling boulevards will introduce you the city’s history. You will also have plenty of leisure time to discover Paris on your own. Here, in the city often called the capital of romance, you will experience firsthand the wealth of cultural and historical attractions that have enchanted visitors for centuries.

Day 1 Depart U.S. Afternoon: Enjoy a drink with your Program Director and traveling companions at a Depart the U.S. on your flight to Paris, France. Welcome Reception before dinner.

Day 2 Arrive in Paris, France Dinner: On your own—ask your Program Director for local restaurant recommendations. • Destination: Paris You may want to try escargot, a special dish • Accommodations: Hotel Crowne Plaza often served during the holidays in France. Republique or similar Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Morning: Arrive this morning or afternoon in rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Paris. You are met at the airport and transferred Program Director for recommendations. to your hotel in Paris. You have the rest of the day to relax or explore a little of the city on your own. If you wish, you can join a brief guided Day 3 Paris walk with your Program Director in the vicinity • Destination: Paris of your hotel to begin getting to know the city. • Included Meals: Breakfast • Accommodations: Hotel Crowne Plaza Lunch: On your own—ask your Program Republique or similar Director for local restaurant recommendations. Perhaps you’ll choose one of the many cozy Breakfast: At the hotel. cafes local Parisians often frequent.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

18 Morning: Enjoy a half-day discovery tour of the Afternoon: Continue exploring Paris on your République and Le Marais districts of Paris with own. A number of Christmas Markets are set up your local Program Director. You’ll have the seasonally, including one at La Cour de Rome in opportunity to travel via public transportation front of Gare St. Lazare. to experience the daily life of commuters Or, if you have opted for the optional tour, visit first-hand. Reims’ cathedral before a special tasting at a Lunch: On your own—perhaps you’ll try one of well-known wine cellar. Paris’ many charming bistros. Dinner: On your own—ask your Program Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries—ask Director for local restaurant recommendations. your Program Director for recommendations. You may want to end your meal with some Perhaps you’re looking for a festive traditional vin chaud, a French mulled wine activity—during the holiday season, Paris hosts enjoyed this time of year. a handful of outdoor ice skating rinks. The rink Evening: You have the freedom to spend the at the Patinoire de L’Hotel de Ville is a popular rest of your evening as you wish—ask your one and is located right on the Seine. Program Director for recommendations. Dinner: On your own—ask your Program Director for local restaurant recommendations. Day 5 Transfer to the M/S Bizet • Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Begin main trip rest of your evening as you wish—ask your • Included Meals: Breakfast Program Director for recommendations. Breakfast: At the hotel.

Day 4 Paris Morning: Transfer by motorcoach to your home for seven nights, the M/S Bizet, where • Destination: Paris you’ll meet your fellow travelers and follow the • Included Meals: Breakfast main itinerary from Day 2. • Accommodations: Hotel Crowne Plaza Republique or similar

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: The day is yours to visit new museums, relax at sidewalk cafes, peruse bookstores and galleries, and soak in the inimitable atmosphere of Paris. The city is a shopper’s paradise, so the opportunities for holiday shopping are unsurpassed. Or, you may choose to join us for an optional full-day tour of the Champagne region.

Lunch: On your own. Or, for those who choose the optional tour, you’ll savor lunch at a local restaurant—a typical French brasserie.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

19 OPTIONAL TOUR

Reims & the Champagne Region (Day 4 $185 per person) This morning, join us for an optional full-day tour of the Champagne region. First, you’ll arrive in Reims, where you’ll savor lunch at a typical French brasserie. You’ll then see Reims’ magnificent cathedral. Reims is one of France’s most important centers of champagne production, and the tour ends with a visit and tasting at a well-known cellar.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

20 POST-TRIP Aix-en-Provence, France

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

You’ll be welcomed by the town of Aix-en-Provence, the heart and old capital of the beautiful Provence region, on this extension. Cultured, sophisticated, but always relaxed, Aix-en-Provence offers streets of honey-colored stone buildings and majestic fountains.

Day 1 Arrive Aix-en-Provence, France watch artisans create santons, or “little saints,” the terra cotta figurines for which this area • Destination: Aix-en-Provence is known. • Accommodations: Hotel Aquabella or similar

Activity Note: The Musée Granet is closed on Dinner: On your own. You may want to try Mondays. Your Program Director will offer an some of southwest France’s hearty traditional alternate activity. dishes, such as cassoulet—a rich, slow-cooked casserole. Morning: After disembarking the ship in Paris this morning, transfer to the airport, fly to Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Marseille, and transfer to Aix-en-Provence. rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Upon arrival, settle in to your hotel. Program Director for recommendations.

Lunch: On your own—ask your Program Day 2 Aix-en-Provence Director for local restaurant recommendations. • Destination: Aix-en-Provence Afternoon: Gather with your fellow travelers • Included Meals: Breakfast and Program Director for a vicinity walk that • Accommodations: Hotel Aquabella or similar will acquaint you with this lovely town. You’ll end your walk at the Musée Granet where Breakfast: At the hotel. you’ll enjoy free admission and time to explore Morning: Today is yours to spend as you please. its art exhibits on your own. Later, drop by the Santon Fair in the Palace de la Rotonde to

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

21 Or, you may choose to embark on an optional Or, join an optional half-day excursion to the journey through the Provencal Villages City of Popes, Avignon. of Luberon—Lourmarin, Bonnieux, and Lunch: One your own. Or, for those on the Roussillon. optional tour, lunch is included at a local Lunch: On your own—perhaps you’ll opt for restaurant. the region’s famous croque monsieurs sandwich. Afternoon: Gather together this afternoon Afternoon: Your afternoon is at leisure to for a tour of Atelier de Cezanne, or Cezanne’s explore Aix-en-Provence on your own. You studio, with a local guide. Full of natural light may consider a visit to the charming Vieil Aix, and still appointed with the painter’s furniture north of Cours Mirabeau. The neighborhood is and tools, you’ll get a intimate look of how this all narrow lanes, pretty squares, and detailed renowned artist worked. architecture—with endless places to browse Then, enjoy a Farewell Drink with your and shop. traveling companions early this evening. Dinner: On your own—ask your Program Dinner: On your own. You may want to try Director for local restaurant recommendations. escargot, a dish typically served during the Evening: You have the freedom to spend the holidays. rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Program Director for recommendations. rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Program Director for recommendations. Day 3 Aix-en-Provence • Destination: Aix-en-Provence Day 4 Return to U.S. • Included Meals: Breakfast • Included Meals: Breakfast • Accommodations: Hotel Aquabella or similar Breakfast: At the hotel. Activity Note: Atelier de Cezanne is closed on Sundays. Your Program Director will provide an Morning: Transfer to the Marseille airport for alternate activity. your flight home.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Enjoy a day of leisure in Aix-en-Provence to make your own discoveries. Founded by the Romans in 123 BC, this delightful town has long attracted artists, including the writer Emile Zola and the painter Paul Cezanne, who was born here and lived and worked here for much of his life. Perhaps you’ll admire the Cours Mirabeau, the grand boulevard with its arch of trees. Or, visit the ancient Roman baths located just outside the Old Town.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

22 OPTIONAL TOURS

Provencal Villages (Day 2 $90 per person) Explore the marvelous countryside of the Luberon area of Provence. Travel by private motorcoach, and enjoy the landscape of vineyards, olive groves, forests and mountains. See the celebrated villages of Lourmarin, Bonnieau, and Roussillon, and enjoy time at leisure to take photos and go for a stroll in one or two of the villages.

Avignon (Day 3 $155 per person) Discover Avignon, known as the City of Popes, and the variety of residences, chateaux, fortified palaces, and churches built by Popes who had left the turmoil of Rome in the 14th century. Tour the medieval city and its famous Pont D’Avignon, and then enjoy a visit of the impressive Palace of the Popes followed by an included lunch. Continue your discoveries at your leisure before we return.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP:

With the planning of any vacation comes the need to research and ask questions—and even more so with international travel. We’re here to SPW[4Y_SPQZWWZbTYR[LRP^dZ`ɪWWʭYOTYQZ]XL_TZY_SL_Z`]_]LaPWP]^ SLaPQZ`YOXZ^_MPYPʭNTLWL^_SPdɪaP[]P[L]POQZ]_ST^N]`T^PaLNL_TZY on subjects ranging from passports to weather, currency to recommended reading.

This is also a preview of the in-depth information that you’ll receive bSPYdZ`]P^P]aPdZ`]OP[L]_`]PZQ_ST^_]T[%Z`]ZʯNTLW?]T[3LYOMZZV^ which outline everything you’ll need to know before and during your vacation. What’s more, our Travel Counselors will be ready and eager to address any additional questions you may have.

With all of our resources available to you, enjoy peace of mind … and look forward to the incredible discoveries that await.

24 CONTENTS

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS...... 26

RIGORS, VACCINES & GENERAL HEALTH ...... 28

MONEY MATTERS: LOCAL CURRENCY & TIPPING GUIDELINES . . . 31

Top 3 Suggestions

Local Currency

Tipping Guidelines

AIR, OPTIONAL TOURS & STAYING IN TOUCH ...... 35

PACKING: WHAT TO BRING & LUGGAGE LIMITS...... 39

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES ...... 45

ABOARD YOUR SHIP: CABIN FEATURES, DINING & SERVICES . . . . 47

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE . . . 52

Culture & Points to Know

Shopping

DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY ...... 60

RESOURCES: SUGGESTED READING & MOVIES...... 63

25 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Your Passport • Must be in good condition

• Must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.

• Must have the required number of blank pages (details below)

• The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable

Need to Renew Your Passport? Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport.

Recommended Blank Pages Please confirm that your passport has enough blank pages for this vacation.

• Main trip only: You will need 2 blank passport pages.

• Optional extensions to Paris or Aix-en-Provence: No additional blank pages needed.

No Visas Required Travelers with a U.S. passport do not need any visas for this vacation, including the optional trip extensions.

Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about visa requirements. We recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www.pvsinternational.org.

Traveling With a Minor? Some governments may require certain documentation for minors to enter and depart the country or to obtain a visa (if applicable). For further detail on the required documentation, please contact your local embassy or consulate.

26 Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents We recommend you carry color photocopies of key documents including the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, air itinerary, credit cards (front and back), and an alternative form of ID. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals.

If you plan to email this information to yourself, please keep in mind that email is not always secure; consider using password protection or encryption. Also email is not always available worldwide. As an alternative, you could load these documents onto a flash drive instead, which can do double-duty as a place to backup photos during your trip.

Overseas Taxes & Fees This tour may have taxes and fees that cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay them in person onsite. All taxes are subject to change without notice and can be paid in cash (either U.S. or local currency). If applicable, you will receive a list of these fees with your Final Documents.

27 RIGORS, VACCINES & GENERAL HEALTH

Keep Your Abilities in Mind Please review the information below prior to departing on this vacation. We reserve the right for our Program Directors to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home if their limitations are impacting the group’s experience.

GROUP SIZE • This trip has a group size of 38-45 travelers with our local Program Director exclusive to Grand Circle

PACING • 9 days, with 7 nights aboard the M/S Bizet

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Not accessible for travelers using wheelchairs or scooters

• Travelers using walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids must travel with a companion who can assist them throughout the trip

• You must be able to walk 1-3 miles unassisted and participate in 2-3 hours of physical activities each day, including stairs

• We reserve the right for our Program Directors to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home if their limitations are impacting the group’s experience

CLIMATE • Daytime temperatures range from 41-51°F during cruising season

• Rain, ice, snow, and wind are possible during the holiday season

TERRAIN • Travel over uneven walking surfaces, including steep and unpaved paths, hills, stairs, and cobblestones, which can be slippery in wet or colder conditions

TRANSPORTATION • Travel by 45-passenger coach and 120-passenger river ship

RIVER CRUISING • Throughout the Holiday River Cruise season, weather conditions and tides affect European river depths; water levels may require adjustments to your itinerary

28 CUISINE • Meals will be a mix of local specialties and familiar American standards

• Meals onboard feature a variety of entrée options, including vegetarian

Health Check Feeling healthy and confident of your mobility is essential to fully enjoy your trip abroad. If you have ongoing medical conditions or concerns about your health, we highly recommend that you schedule a checkup with your personal physician at least six weeks in advance of your departure date.

• Discuss with your doctor any aspects of your itinerary that may affect your health and be guided by his or her advice. (You can use the “Keep Your Abilities in Mind” on the previous page as a guideline to discuss with him or her.)

• You may want to have a dental exam before your trip. A loose filling or developing cavity would be difficult to remedy while you are traveling.

• If you have a condition that requires special equipment or treatment, you must bring and be responsible for all necessary items related to your condition.

Vaccine Required

COVID-19 Grand Circle Cruise Line requires that all travelers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are able provide proof of their vaccination upon arrival at their destination. A full vaccination is defined as having been inoculated at least 14 days prior to departure by an approved vaccine. This requirement is not contingent on the countries the tour visits, but a strict company policy due to the nature of the pandemic.

Traveling with Medications • Pack medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss and to have them handy.

• Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers for a quicker security screen at the airport and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas.

• Bring copies of your prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name to be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications.

We recommend checking with the State Department for medication restrictions by country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel- Country-Information-Pages.html. (Pick the country and then follow the links to “Local Laws & Special Circumstances”; if you don’t see any medications specifically mentioned, then you can presume major U.S. brands should be OK).

29 Staying Healthy on Your Trip Jet Lag Tips

• Start your trip well-rested.

• Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane.

• Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule.

• Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before–and during– your flight.

• Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying

• Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane.

• After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap.

• Don’t push yourself to see a lot on your first day.

• Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner.

Allergies

If you have any serious allergies or dietary restrictions, we advise you to notify us at least 30 days prior to your departure. Please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-321-2835, and we will communicate them to our regional office. Every effort will be made to accommodate you.

Water Unless you know that your stomach is particularly sensitive to changes in diet/water, tap water in France and on board your ship is perfectly fine to drink. One bottled of still water per person is provided in your cabin daily.

30 MONEY MATTERS: LOCAL CURRENCY & TIPPING GUIDELINES

Top Three Tips • Carry a mix of different types of payments, such as local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card.

• Traveler’s checks are not recommended. They can be difficult to exchange and the commission fee for cashing them is quite high. It’s more practical to view them as a last resort in the event of a special situation.

• You will not be able to pay with U.S. dollars on this trip; you will need euros instead.

Local Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com/ currencyconverter, your bank, or the financial section of your newspaper.

Euro Countries The euro is the official currency in many member countries of the European Union. Unless otherwise listed, the countries you will be visiting will use the euro. Euro banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros

• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents; 1 and 2 euros

How to Exchange Money If you want to exchange money before your trip, you can usually do so through your bank or at an exchange office. Your departure airport in the U.S., a travel agent, or an AAA office are also possible outlets. Or you can wait and change money on the trip instead—but it might be helpful to arrive with some local currency in case you run into a bank holiday or an “out of order” ATM.

On your trip, the easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local money and your bank at home will convert that into U.S. dollars.

You can also exchange cash at some hotels, large post offices, and money exchange offices. To exchange cash, you’ll usually need your passport and bills in good condition (not worn, torn, or dirty). New bills (post 2004) are best.

Please note that many banks in Europe will only exchange money for their own customers. Never exchange money on the street. All exchange methods involve fees, which may be built into the conversion rate; ask beforehand.

31 ATMs When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more than one card.

Many banks charge a fee of $1-$5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart.

Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.)

France: ATMs can be found throughout large cities and small towns in France.

Credit & Debit Cards Even if you don’t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry). We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc.

France: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in France. For small purchases or markets, you may need cash instead.

Using Your Credit Card in Europe By now most of us are used to the new credit cards with the embedded computer chip (the ones you insert instead of swiping). But in Europe—where they’ve had this type of card longer than us—these credit cards usually require a PIN (personal identification number) to make a purchase. And in contrast, most U.S. credit cards either do not require a PIN or don’t have one. So what do you do if you want make a purchase with your credit card in Europe?

Don’t worry. 90% of the time you won’t need to do anything special. You’ll insert your card and the purchase will go through as normal. Often you won’t even be asked to sign anything.

But bring more than one form of payment with you. For those rare cases when your credit card doesn’t work, the best plan is to already have a backup form of payment with you. Debit cards are a good alternative as they have a PIN. And there’s always cash.

Consider asking your credit card company. You can try contacting your credit card company before you leave to see if they will issue you a PIN. Many won’t—but at least you’ll know. You could also try looking at their website to see if they have guidance about getting a PIN.

32 Notify Card Providers of Upcoming Travel Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do this online.

You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!

Onboard Ship

Two Separate Bills Will be Issued • Shipboard account: This bill is for any on board purchases (drinks, souvenirs, etc.) and is calculated in euros. This bill is payable at the front desk by cash or credit/debit card only. For cash, we accept euros. For credit/debit cards, we accept MasterCard and Visa. Other forms of payment, such as checks, Discover, and American Express, are not accepted.

• Optional tour account: This bill is for any optional tours taken during the trip and is calculated in U.S. dollars. This bill is paid with your Program Director (they will have you fill out a form) by credit/debit card only; other forms of payments such as cash and checks are not accepted. For more information on optional tours—including which cards we accept for payment—see the “Preparing for Your Trip” chapter.

• Please note: Due to limitations with Discover Card in France, we cannot accept it as payment for onboard purchases or for optional tours on river cruises in France.

Payments made by credit card may take up to three months to process. We ask that you use a credit card that will not expire until three months after your trip ends. Because our headquarters are in Boston, the charges may appear to be from Boston or might be labeled as “OPT Boston” (depending on your credit card company).

Exchange Services: Policy Update Due to international banking laws, we are no longer able to exchange money onboard the ship. If you need to obtain local currency, please see the “How to Exchange Money” section for helpful tips and information.

Tipping Guidelines Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. For those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines. All tips below are quoted in U.S. dollars; tips can be converted and paid in local currency (this is usually preferred) or in U.S. dollars. Do not use personal or traveler’s check for tips.

33 • GCCL Program Director: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your Grand Circle Program Director at the end of your trip. As a guideline, many travelers give $5-$8 USD (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each day their Program Director is with them. Please note that tips for your Program Director can only be in the form of cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Program Director during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip.

• Shipboard Crew: We recommend a flat tip of $10-$12 U.S. per traveler, per day. You’ll give this tip once—at the end of your cruise—and it will be pooled among the entire crew. Policy Update: Due to international banking laws, we are no longer able to process crew tips on a credit card; crew tips can only be in the form of cash.

• Housekeeping Staff at Hotels: We recommend $1 per traveler, per day. (This is for hotels only; on the ship Housekeeping are part of crew, so you don’t need to tip them separately.)

• Included in Your Trip Price: Gratuities are included for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your main trip, extensions, and any optional tours.

Time at Leisure

When you are exploring on your own, it’s useful to know when to tip and how much, because local customs often differ from the U.S. Here are a few helpful guidelines for the most common services a traveler might use:

• Taxis: Tipping is not customary, but many locals will round up the fare and let the driver keep the change. If the driver helps you with heavy luggage, then 10% is a nice gesture.

• Restaurants, cafes, and bars: Throughout Europe, the tip for the waiter or bartender is usually included in the prices or added on as a service fee. Look for a statement on the menu like service compris which means “service is included”, or for a service charge on the bill. If you would like to leave a tip on top of the service fee (or in the rare case when the service is not included) then 10% would be considered generous.

• Public restrooms: Most public restrooms in Europe have attendants that take care of cleaning and supplies. It is customary to leave a small tip for them—usually half a euro—so hold on to those coins! Some restrooms are pay-toilets; you pay the staff at the entrance to the restroom or drop the appropriate coin into the slot on the stall door. Many restaurants, cafes, and shops offer only pay-toilets or reserve their restrooms for patrons only.

34 AIR, OPTIONAL TOURS & STAYING IN TOUCH

Land Only Travelers & Personalized Air

Quick Deﬁnitions • Land Only: You will be booking your own international flights. Airport transfers are not included.

• Air-Inclusive: You booked international air with us. Airport transfers are included as long as you didn’t customize your trip’s dates (see next bullet).

• Personalized Air: You booked international air with us, and have customized it in some way. If you have customized your trip’s dates to arrive early, stay longer, or stop on your own in a connecting city, airport transfers will NOT be included. You must also arrange your own accommodations for any additional nights. For your convenience, a preliminary list of your included hotels is available on your My Account at www.gct.com/myaccount under “My Reservations”.

Airport Transfers Can Be Purchased For eligible flights, airport transfers may be purchased separately as an optional add-on, subject to availability. To be eligible, your flight(s) must meet the following requirements:

• You must fly into or fly home from the same airport as Grand Circle travelers who purchased included airfare.

• Your flight(s) must arrive/depart on the same day that the group arrives or departs.

Airport transfers can be purchased up to 45 days prior to your departure; they are not available for purchase onsite. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-321-2835.

If you don’t meet the requirements above, you’ll need to make your own transfer arrangements. We suggest the Rome to Rio website as a handy resource: www.rome2rio.com.

Air Inclusive Travelers If you have purchased international air with Grand Circle Cruise Line, there are some points that may be helpful for you to know.

• U.S. Departure: If you are among a group of ten or more GCCL travelers who depart the U.S. from your international gateway city, it is our goal to have a GCCL Representative assist you at the U.S. airport with the check-in of your flight. Unless there are extenuating circumstances beyond our control, the Representative will be at the check-in counter three hours before your departure time. If you are flying domestically before your international flight, the representative will be stationed at the check-in counter for your departing international flight, not at the domestic arrival gate.

35 • Overseas Arrival: Once you arrive overseas, you’ll need to collect your luggage and clear customs. A Grand Circle representative will meet you outside of customs and assist you with your transfer to the hotel or ship. Important note on porters: Airport porters are NOT allowed in the baggage claim area. On arrival, you must take your luggage off the baggage carousel and load it onto a cart, which you will then move through customs. When you exit customs, you’ll handle your cart until reaching your transfer vehicle. Your driver will load your luggage into the transfer vehicle.

• U.S. Return: If you are among a group of ten or more GCCL travelers who return to the same U.S. gateway city, a GCCL Representative will meet you as you exit Customs and help you find taxis, buses, hotel accommodations, or connecting flights. Again, it is our goal to have our GCCL Representative waiting to assist your group. In rare instances, unforeseen circumstances may prevent this service.

• Flying with a Travel Companion: If you’re traveling with a companion from a different household, and both of you are beginning and ending your trip at the same airport on the same dates, let us know you’d like to travel together and we’ll make every effort to arrange this (please note, however, that this is not always possible). If you request any changes to your flights, please be sure that both you and your companion tell us that you still want to fly together.

Optional Tours Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your vacation by tailoring it to your tastes and needs. And if you decide not to join an optional tour? Then you’ll have free time to relax or explore on your own—it’s about options, not obligations.

What You Need to Know • All optional tours are subject to change and availability.

• Optional tours that are reserved onsite can be paid for using credit/debit cards only. We accept MasterCard and Visa on all trips, and Discover on all trips except river cruises in France. We can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won’t be able to enter a PIN.) We do not take Amex, cash, or checks for optional tours.

• To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. headquarters in Boston. This process can take up to three months, so we ask that you only use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear on your credit card statement as being from Boston, MA or may be labeled as “OPT Boston”.

• We will give you details on the optional tours while you’re on the trip. But if you’d like to look over descriptions of them earlier, you can do so at any time by referring to your Day- to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at www.gct.com/myaccount).

36 Reserve Before You Go We strongly recommend that you reserve the following optional tours in advance. Unless otherwise noted, the deadline to do so is 45 days prior to your departure. Occasionally, space will be available for booking onsite, but this not guaranteed.

Versailles

This optional tour is offered during the main trip. The cost is $80 per person.

Please note: To take advantage of this optional tour, you must purchase it 45 days in advance, prior to your departure. Expect lines at the entrance, even for groups with reservations. To ensure that all guests are able to view the exhibits, the time you spend in each room is limited by palace staff, and please be aware that this tour features sustained walking and standing.

Communicating with Home from Abroad

Cell Phones If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone is “unlocked”, meaning it can accept a local SIM card. If your cell is “unlocked” then you will be able to purchase a local SIM for it and then buy minutes with “Pay as You Go” cards, so that you have a local contact number for your friends and family.

Calling Apps Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually less expensive than making a traditional call, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls may count towards your phone plan’s data allowance. Many smartphones—and some tablets or laptops—come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free from the appropriate apps store.

37 Calling Cards & 1-800 Numbers When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the best (less expensive, more likely to work with the local phones, etc.). One reminder: Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country.

Internet Access and Email Some public places – restaurants, cafes – may provide free internet access for customers. While sailing Internet access may be unavailable, depending on locks, bridges, and regional remoteness. Internet access should be most consistently available when the ship is docked in larger cities.

Receiving Calls from Home To ensure you are available during your trip to friends and relatives at home, you will receive two copies of your hotel list, including phone numbers, with your Final Documents. One copy is for you to bring, and one is to leave behind with friends or relatives in case they need to contact you during the trip.

How to Call Overseas When calling overseas from the U.S., dial 011 for international exchange, then the country code (indicated by a plus sign: +), and then the number. Note that foreign phone numbers may not have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even within a country the number of digits can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone.

France: +33

38 PACKING: WHAT TO BRING & LUGGAGE LIMITS

Luggage Limits

MAIN TRIP LIMITS

Pieces per person One checked bag and one carry-on bag per person.

Weight restrictions Varies by airline. The current standard is 50 lbs for checked bags and 15 lbs for carry-on bags.

Size Restrictions Varies by airline. Measured in linear inches (length+width+depth). Generally, 62 linear inches is the checked bag limit; carry-on limit is 45 linear inches.

Luggage Type A sturdy, fabric-sided suitcase with built-in wheels and lockable zippers is recommended.

TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS

Same as the main trip.

REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS

One suitcase and one carry-on bag per person: Due to the space limitations on bus transfers, you’ll be restricted to one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. This is to ensure that we have room for everyone’s luggage. We ask that you abide by this limit to avoid inconveniencing your fellow travelers and prevent additional airlines luggage fees (which are your responsibility). Most airlines now charge to check more than one suitcase per person for flights to Europe and other international flights.

Luggage rules: Luggage rules and limits are set by governmental and airline policy. Enforcement of the rules may include spot checks or may be inconsistent. However one thing is the same across the board: If you are found to have oversized or overweight luggage, you will be subject to additional fees, to be assessed by—and paid to—the airline in question.

Don’t Forget: • These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet.

39 • It’s a good idea to reconfirm baggage restrictions and fees directly with the airline a week or so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section.

• Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines.

• The luggage limits above are based on your regional flights, which may be less than your international flights. Even if your international airline offers a larger weight limit, you will need to pack according to the lower restrictions.

Your Luggage • Checked Luggage: Consider a duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase. Look for one with heavy nylon fabric, wrap-around handles, built-in wheels, and a heavy duty lockable zipper. Due to space limitations on our motorcoaches, you are allowed one piece of checked luggage per person. Porterage at airports and hotels is provided for one bag per person. All bags should have luggage tags.

• Carry-on Bag: You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small backpack that can be used as both a carry-on bag for your flight and to carry your daily necessities—water bottle, camera, etc—during your daily activities.

• Locks: For flights that originate in the U.S., you can either use a TSA-approved lock or leave your luggage unlocked. Outside of the U.S. we strongly recommend locking your luggage as a theft-prevention measure.

Clothing Suggestions: Functional Tips • Travel light: A good rule of thumb is to gather together everything you want to bring; then take half of that. To have a varied travel wardrobe, yet keep your luggage light, we recommend you select a color scheme and pack color-coordinated clothing items that can be mixed to create different outfits.

• Pack casual clothes: Comfortable, informal apparel is acceptable at each of your destinations. At dinner, you will not need to don “dressy” clothing; men do not need jackets or ties and women do not need fancy dresses. You may want one or two “smart casual” outfits for the Welcome Reception or Farewell Dinner, but it’s completely up to you.

• Consider clothing designed for travel, sports, or camping: With modern fabrics, lightweight packing for comfort and protection through a wide range of weather is easy.

• Plan to dress in layers on shore excursions. Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions.

• Be prepared for winter weather. Pack for wintry conditions: a warm jacket, hat, and gloves; one or two fleece tops or heavy sweaters; turtlenecks and a few woolens or thick knits; warm pants; wool or fleece socks; folding umbrella; and waterproof warm shoes with good tread for walking on snow-covered ground. A top-and-bottom set of long underwear will provide an extra layer of insulation and is lightweight to pack. Snow is a possibility, even in late November.

40 • Good walking shoes are critical. This program features many included tours that follow steep, unpaved or cobbled routes; and even an average day of light sightseeing or shopping can put great demands on your feet. If you prefer more ankle support, take light hiking boots. In case you get caught in the rain, we suggest you bring an extra pair of walking shoes, and rain boots or galoshes. Aboard ship, you’ll want non-slip shoes with rubber soles.

What to Bring We have included suggestions from former travelers to help you pack. These lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You may also want to consult the “Climate” chapter of this handbook.

Your cabin already has: Shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, soap, body lotion, shower cap, and towels. And don’t forget a reusable water bottle—you’ll need it to take advantage of any refills we offer as we are working to eliminate single-use plastic bottles on all of our trips.

Recommended Clothing Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts to layer Trousers, jeans, or skirts Comfortable walking shoes and/or water resistant shoes Warm winter coat Rain jacket/windbreaker with hood Sleepwear Socks and undergarments A jacket or sweater for layering Gloves, scarf, and a warm hat

Essential Items Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant, etc.

Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses and your prescription Sunglasses with a neck strap Travel money bag or money belt

41 Moisturizer, lip balm Pocket-size tissues Moist towelettes (packets) and/or anti-bacterial hand lotion Light folding umbrella Photocopies of passport, air ticket, credit cards Camera, spare batteries, and memory cards

Medicines Your own prescription medicines Vitamins Cold remedies: Sudafed/Dristan Pain relievers: Ibuprofen/naproxen/aspirin Laxatives: Senokot/Ex-Lax Stomach upset: Pepto-Bismol/Mylanta Anti-diarrheal: Imodium Band-Aids, Moleskin foot pads Antibiotics: Neosporin/Bacitracin

Optional Gear Travel alarm Compact binoculars Hanging toiletry bag with pockets Washcloth Travel-size tissues Basic sewing kit Hand-wash laundry soap (Woolite), clothespins/travel clothesline/stopper

42 Electrical transformer and plug adapter–see “Regional Electricity” section. Reading materials Travel journal/note pad Swimsuit, if your ship/hotel has a pool or whirlpool Addresses for postcards Photos, small gift for Home-Hosted visit Phrase book Pocket-size calculator for exchange rates For hotel stays: Many hotels will provide hair dryers, but not all. If a hair dryer is essential to you consider a travel-size version. Hair dryers are provided on your ship.

Electricity When traveling overseas, the voltage is usually different and the plugs might not be the same shape.

Voltage Aboard the ship, cabins are equipped with 220-volt outlets. In your bathroom you will find a 110- volt outlet; this outlet is only for low-voltage appliances, like electric shavers. (Your bathroom also comes equipped with a hair dryer).

Electricity in France is 220-240 volts. In the U.S. it is 110 volts. Most of the things a traveler will want to plug in—battery chargers, MP3 players, tablets or computers—can run off both 110 and 220-240. But you should check the item or the owner’s guide first to confirm this before you plug it in. If you have something that needs 110 volts—like a shaver or a hairdryer—you can bring a transformer to change the current. (But transformers tend to burn out, so it might be better to leave whatever it is at home.)

Plugs The shape of plugs will vary from country to country. To plug something from the U.S. into a local socket you’ll need an adapter that fits between the plug and the socket. Different plug shapes are named by letters of the alphabet. Standard U.S. plugs are Type A and Type B; standard European plugs are Type C, E, and F. Of the three, a Type C adapter is the most useful as it fits into Type E and F sockets. Type C is usually what is sold in stores as a European adapter.

43 Aboard ship, the plugs in your cabin bedroom are Type F. The 110V socket in your cabin bathroom takes U.S. plugs, but not polarized ones (where one prong is bigger than the other). Previous travelers have mentioned this because some small appliances, like Waterpiks, have polarized plugs.

Note that even though you’ll only need the European plug adapter on this trip, it may be easier to purchase an all-in-one, universal adapter/converter combo. Versatile and lightweight, these can usually be found at your local electronics goods or hardware stores. Sometimes you can buy them at large retailers too, like Target or Walmart. If you forget to bring an adapter, you might also find them for sale at the airport when you arrive at your destination.

For your reference, here is the list of plugs for the countries on this trip:

France: C

Type C Type F

44 CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Paris, France: The City of Light has about the same weather as our Middle Atlantic States, though it’s usually not warmer than 75° F, or colder than 30° F. The main characteristic of the city’s weather is its changeability. Bright skies can abruptly turn cloudy and a chilly drizzle ensue; then just as quickly as the rain begins it will end.

Another volatile aspect of Parisian weather is the blasts of rapidly moving air—probably the result of a wind tunnel effect caused by the city’s long boulevards being bordered by buildings of uniform height. But other than the occasional winds and rain (which add an undeniable drama to many of the city’s panoramas), Paris offers among the most pleasant weather conditions of any capital in Europe, with a highly tolerable average temperature of 53°.

The early spring can still be on the cool side, but later on in the season, temperatures are usually comfortable, often reaching into the low 60s. Summers are rarely overly warm—the upper 70s is the norm—though a spell of hot weather in the 90s can settle in for a few days, or even a week or two in July and August. Early autumn is slightly cooler, with temperatures edging toward the 50s. By November, it may dip into the 40s. Rain is a common occurrence year-round.

Aix-en-Provence, France (Provence): Compared to northern France, the Provence region enjoys more sunshine, higher temperatures, and longer spells of consistent weather. The summers are generally sunny and warm with low humidity, but there can be occasional heat waves. Spring and fall see average highs in the 60s, but tend to be the rainiest months. Winter is mild and snowfall is rare—maybe once every three years.

Weather Conditions and River Depths Throughout the river cruise season, weather conditions affect river depths, and water levels may require adjustments to your itinerary. When river depths rise or fall during your River Cruise, Grand Circle Cruise Line will be required to adjust your itinerary for your safety and to adhere to the current governmental and nautical requirements. Though we strive to adhere to our planned itinerary, we may not always be able to follow it exactly as planned. The sequence of ports visited and the days on which included features and optional tours occur may vary.

Climate Averages & Online Forecast The following charts reflect the average climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we encourage you to go online to www.gct.com/myaccount for your 10-day forecast.

45 Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall

MONTH PARIS, FRANCE ROUEN, FRANCE

Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Temp. High- Low % Relative Average # of Days Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall JAN 45 to 37 89 to 79 20 44 to 34 93 to 84 17 FEB 47 to 37 87 to 71 16 45 to 34 91 to 77 14 MAR 54 to 42 87 to 65 18 51 to 38 92 to 70 15 APR 60 to 45 86 to 58 17 57 to 41 91 to 64 13 MAY 67 to 52 86 to 57 16 63 to 47 92 to 66 13 JUN 73 to 57 86 to 58 17 69 to 51 93 to 67 13 JUL 77 to 60 85 to 54 13 73 to 55 93 to 63 13 AUG 77 to 60 87 to 51 12 73 to 55 94 to 62 13 SEP 70 to 55 91 to 59 14 67 to 51 96 to 69 16 OCT 61 to 49 92 to 69 17 59 to 46 96 to 78 16 NOV 51 to 42 91 to 76 17 50 to 39 95 to 84 17 DEC 46 to 38 89 to 81 19 44 to 35 93 to 87 16

MONTH AIX-EN-PROVENCE, FRANCE

Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Humidity (avg) with Rainfall JAN 54 to 45 67 11 FEB 58 to 46 60 5 MAR 59 to 47 56 11 APR 67 to 54 53 11 MAY 70 to 54 50 12 JUN 85 to 69 44 9 JUL 89 to 75 46 9 AUG 87 to 73 47 8 SEP 78 to 64 51 6 OCT 71 to 59 61 13 NOV 55 to 47 67 21 DEC 55 to 47 68 10

46 ABOARD YOUR SHIP: CABIN FEATURES, DINING & SERVICES ON BOARD

M/S Bizet The Bizet’s design incorporates suggestions from Grand Circle Cruise Line travelers—and it offers a host of amenities to make you feel right at home. Designed to carry no more than 120 passengers, the ship’s size ensures the ease of maneuverability that’s so important when entering small river ports. Amenities include a restaurant with panoramic windows, sun deck with lounge chairs, a library, bar, lounge, dance floor, and small souvenir shop.

Included features of all Grand Circle Cruise Line European river ship cabins:

• A layout of at least 150 square feet

• All outside cabins

• Individual climate control (heat and air conditioning)

• Twin beds that ship staff convert into a daytime couch

• Storage space under beds of 57 inches x 22.8 inches x 11.8 inches (length + width + height)

• Sufficient closet and dresser space

• Color TV, including CNN programming and a bow camera for ship-front views

• Direct-dial international telephone

• Hair dryer

• Desk

• Private bath with shower

Cabins on the Soprano deck have small balconies with sliding door; those on the Alto deck have two picture windows. For safety reasons, cabin windows do not open.

An important word: While our fleet features larger-than-usual riverboat cabins, please keep in mind that these ships are river vessels, not large ocean cruise ships. Riverboat cabins, in comparison, are relatively small, and ship amenities, in general, are comfortable but not lavish.

Cabin Assignments You will receive confirmation of your deck and/or cabin category upfront in writing; it will be on your invoice and online in My Account at www.gct.com/myaccount. However, your cabin number may not be assigned until you arrive onboard the ship. (This is normal procedure for ships in many parts of the world, including Europe.) If there’s no cabin number on your invoice or online, you can presume it will be assigned later and communicated to you when you board.

47 Dining You’ll enjoy fine cuisine and excellent views in your ship’s dining room, featuring a warm decor of dark woods, rich carpeting, and white-linen and china table settings. Your ship’s daily service includes a breakfast buffet, lunch, and a more formal dinner. Our professional chefs will create unique menus for you that feature regional specialties. Complimentary house wine, house beer, and a selection of soft drinks are included. In addition, a selection of other fine wines and beer is available for purchase, starting at approximately $23-40 per bottle (prices vary according to vintage). Travelers may also bring a bottle of their own favorite wine to dinner to enjoy at their table. Should you care to avail yourself of this service, there will be a corkage fee of approximately $10 per bottle, charged to your cabin account.

Please note that if you bring your own alcohol aboard, it can only be consumed in the dining room as described above, or in your cabin. Consumption of alcohol purchased outside the ship is not permitted in the lounge or public areas. We also offer complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day, available at meals and from the machine in the reception area.

Open-table, single-seating for all meals: Each meal is open seating—reservations of any kind are not accepted. Dinner has only one designated time for its open seating, announced each day aboard ship.

Dining times: Dining times for all meals may vary depending on the day’s sightseeing and sailing schedule, but in general, meal times are as follows:

• Early riser breakfast: 6:30-7:30 am

• Breakfast: 7:30-9:00 am

• Lunch: 1:00-2:30 pm

• Dinner: 7:00-9:00 pm

Special diets & celebrations: Special diets, such as low-cholesterol or vegetarian, can be accommodated, as well as the recognition of an anniversary or birthday. Please call Grand Circle Cruise Line to submit your request no later than 45 days prior to departure. Religious dietary regimens, such as kosher or halal meals, cannot be prepared aboard ship.

Dress code: The dining-room dress code is casual, though most travelers dress nicely for the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Farewell Dinner.

Non-smoking policy: The entire dining room is non-smoking at all times.

Embarkation/Disembarkation On the day of disembarkation, your cabin will no longer be available after breakfast. You may sit in the ship’s lounge or on the sun deck until disembarkation.

48 Dock and Landing Etiquette River waterways are simply not big enough to support large landing docks such as those built on ocean shorelines. It is common for river ships to tie up alongside each other at some piers— particularly in ports where docking area is restricted. While we try to arrange the most convenient mooring available in each port of call, outboard boats may occasionally obstruct views, and you may have to step across other ships when you want to go ashore.

Headsets During your trip, complimentary headsets, or Whispers receivers, are provided on our guided tours through the cities we visit. These receivers and headsets allow you to hear your Program Director and our local guides better. If use a hearing aid or have strong preferences for headphones, we highly encourage you to bring your own headsets/ear buds with you. The plug size is usually the same as that used by iPods, computer jacks, etc.

Wireless Internet Access Limited Wireless Internet service is available for free in the cabins and common areas on board your Grand Circle Cruise Line ship. If you want to use the Wireless Internet connection you’ll need to bring your own device (laptop/tablet/netbook) — ships do not rent or loan these devices. To use the Wireless Internet service, please visit Reception after you board for access information. Shipboard access is subject to the challenges of travel: ship location, signal availability, and usage volume on board will affect connectivity and speed. The ship’s Internet connection demands a strong 3G cell phone signal, which is unavailable in many of the areas we visit. You can expect disruptions of both long and short duration.

Laundry & Linen Service Laundry service is available for a fee (currently it costs about 2 euros per shirt). Please note that neither self-service laundry facilities nor dry cleaning services are available. There will be one change of bed linens during your cruise. Towels are changed daily.

Medical Care Our entire fleet adheres to stringent European safety standards. In addition to an emergency call button in all cabins, ships also feature fully staffed reception desks, 24 hours a day.

Onboard Activities During your cruise you’ll enjoy exclusive Discovery Series events, including group activities that relate to the region, theme dinners, organized discussions, and talks on upcoming ports of call.

49 Recreational Facilities These include a sun deck, library, and lounge with bar and dance floor. The bar is open from 9 am to 11 pm, and features both complimentary drinks (soft drinks, house beer, house wine, and non-alcoholic cocktails/beer) and drinks for purchase (spirits, alcoholic cocktails, bottled beers, and a selection of wines). Prices are in Euros.

Bicycles We’re pleased to offer complimentary bicycle rentals onboard your ship for use during free time, including all of the necessary safety gear, such as a helmet, brightly-colored safety vest, and a lock. Because there is a limited supply of bicycles available, they will be offered on a first-come first-served basis. For more information or if you are interested in using one of the bicycles, please speak to the Front Desk staff or Hotel Manager onboard your ship.

Telephone Services To make telephone calls from the ship, you will be charged on your shipboard account on the last day of the cruise. Phone calls are directly from your cabin and through satellite. We advise you to use it only for an emergency, as this is a very expensive service (for example, a call to New York City would cost about $3.75 per minute). (Phone Calling Cards cannot be used over the ship’s phone system.)

Smoking/Non-Smoking Policy All cabins are non-smoking. Smoking is only permitted outside on the sun deck. Smoking is not allowed anywhere else on the ships.

Elevator/Chairlift The ship has an elevator, which runs between the Alto and Soprano Decks. A chairlift operates from the Soprano Deck to the sun deck (or you can use the staircase to the sun deck, which has one flight of 10-12 steps). The chairlift is a single-seat transport that slides up the staircase banister.

Shore Excursions Many sightseeing tours are included on your cruise. Other optional tours are available for purchase. Your Program Director will provide information on these optional excursions on your arrival. Please note that optional tours can only be purchased with a credit card.

Lost & Found Any lost or forgotten items found on board the ship will be held for 90 days from disembarkation. After 90 days, all unclaimed items will be discarded or donated.

50 Ship Speciﬁcations

M/S Bizet • History: Built in 2002

• Size: 366x38 ft

• Capacity: 120 passengers, 34 crew members

• Layout: 60 cabins, 3 decks; Elevator-yes

51 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE

Your Program Director Grand Circle Cruise Line is committed to showing you a destination through the perspective of those who live, work, and play there. How better to do that than to have a resident with you every step of the way? We are proud to be the only cruise line to provide you the dedicated services of an expert Program Director, a resident or native of the country who is delighted to share their in-depth knowledge of local history, culture, and hidden gems.

Fluent in English and skilled in fostering camaraderie among travelers, our Program Directors are constantly cited by our travelers are as the main reason they continue to travel with us. During your cruise, you’ll enjoy multiple Program Directors aboard your ship, who will each be with you and your group of 25-47 travelers throughout your journey—both on ship and on land. And with personal headsets on every included and optional tour, you’ll be able to enjoy their perspective and enthusiasm as you explore at a level deeper than most Americans go.

During Your Trip

Wintertime in France Winter is a perfect time to explore France and Paris, the City of Lights. While you may come across some Christmas markets during your free time, they are not as popular in France as in other parts of Europe - such as Germany and Austria - therefore, the focus of this itinerary is to experience the holiday spirit in France, marked by a sophisticated and understated style. Enjoy the beautiful lights strung throughout the towns and cities and the scent of roasted chestnuts wafting from a local vendor’s cart. You’ll be able to explore the country with shorter lines and fewer crowds, while still enjoying a lovely holiday season.

Laundry Service Laundry service and dry cleaning are available through your hotel for an additional fee.

Taking Photographs The etiquette of photographing most people in Europe is about the same as it would be on the streets of your hometown. You need permission to take a close-up, but not for a crowd scene. Consent is especially important if you want to take a photo of a child or minor—ask their parent for permission first. To get a great portrait, show interest in your subject and try to have a bit of social interaction to put them at ease. Then use sign language to inquire if a picture is OK.

Safety & Security As you travel, exercise the same caution and awareness that you would in a large American city. Don’t be overly nervous or suspicious, but keep your eyes open. If you are venturing out after dark, go with one or two other people.

52 Carry a one-day supply of cash in your pocket. Carry most of your money, and your passport, in a travel pouch or money belt under your shirt. Replenish your pocket supply when you are in a safe and quiet place, or in our vehicle. Don’t leave valuables unattended in your hotel room. Most hotels will offer use of a hotel safe at the front desk or an electronic in-room safe (for which you can set your own personal number). Please utilize them.

Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation, try to keep one hand on your wallet or money belt. If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and complicated and involves money or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes target travelers.

French Cuisine It would be an understatement to say the French have an appreciation for fine food. They have a reverence for it, and it shows in the quality of French cuisine, which was designated by UNESCO as part of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. You certainly don’t need to dine at a Michelin- starred restaurant to experience the best of French cuisine. A visit to just about any local marché (open-air market), pâtisserie (pastry shop), boulangerie (bakery), café, bistro, or brasserie may well be as memorable an outing as visiting the famed monuments and museums.

Classical French dishes formed the basis of what we once called haute cuisine. But some of these dishes were regional in origin. Fortunately, because there is such widespread regard for gastronomy, regional dishes may appear on menus far from home, especially in large cities.

Few dishes are more universally loved than French onion soup (soupe á l’oignon), a sweet and savory broth of caramelized onions, beef stock, and sherry with a crust of grilled Comté or Gruyère cheese. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, workers at Paris’ famous outdoor food market, Les Halles, would often huddle around steaming cauldrons of onion soup. But then some local restaurateurs added the gratinée of bubbling cheese atop a crouton, and a classic was born.

Coq au vin is a specialty of Burgundy, made with chicken braised with red Burgundy wine, lardons, mushrooms, and garlic. But there are also delicious regional variations such as coq au Riesling or coq au Champagne. Another Burgundian classic is boeuf bourguignon, mixing succulent beef with red wine, onions, mushrooms, and lardons. In Bordeaux a traditional beef dish is entrecôte á la Bordelaise, a rib eye steak cooked in a red wine sauce with bone marrow.

Charles de Gaulle once quipped “How can you govern a nation that has 246 varieties of cheese?” It was an understatement. There are actually more than 1,000. Try some salty Roquefort, a mild Comté, a pungent raclette (melted cheese dish), a nutty Emmental, or a rich, triple creme Brillat- Savarin with a vein of black truffle through the middle. Some of France’s best cheese comes from dairy-rich Normandy, the home of Camembert, Livarot, Neufchâtel, and Morbier. They all pair famously with other Norman specialties such as cider and calvados, a delicious apple brandy.

While Paris may be a moveable feast, the capital of French gastronomy is Lyon, thanks to its central location amidst some of France’s richest agricultural regions. Try the classic fonds d’artichauts aux foie gras, made by melting foie gras over crisp artichoke hearts. Quenelles are football-shaped dumplings made with pike, served with tomato sauce, béchamel, or the famous

53 Nantua sauce made with crayfish, carrots, celery and cognac. In the Loire Valley, sample Anjou pears, all kinds of freshwater fish, or fouaces—puffy turnovers stuffed with different fillings such as rillettes (a pork paté) or goat’s cheese.

In the south, Provencal cooking relies on intensely flavored, sun-ripened vegetables, fresh seafood, olive oil and herbs. For a starter, try tapenade, a paste of olives, garlic, capers and lemon served with toast points. Pissaladière is a flatbread topped with caramelized onions, garlic, and anchovies. Bouillabaisse is a seafood soup made from fish and shellfish cooked in a broth of onions, tomatoes, saffron, and herbs. For the main course, try cassoulet, a stew of white beans, pork, duck confit, and bacon.

In the French Basque country, try the prized jambon de Bayonne ham; or marmitako, a stew of tuna, potatoes, onions peppers, and tomatoes. For dessert, there’s gâteau Basque, a shortbread filled with either black cherry jam, or an almond or vanilla cream. The icing on the cake is not icing at all, but the fact that no matter what you eat in France, there will be an exquisite wine to pair with it. Bon appetit!

Alsace is where French joie de vivre meets Germany’s cozy gemutlichkeit, and both of these traits are reflected in the Alsatian cuisine that awaits you. Farm-to-table fare was a tradition here long before its current vogue. Look for seasonal, locally grown produce (such as the famous white asparagus, a springtime favorite), farm-raised animals, and wild fish and game.

The signature dish of Alsace is choucroute garni, which means “garnished sour cabbage” but is much more. Here, silvery strands of sauerkraut are braised with herbs and caramelized onions in Riesling. The “garnishes” are cuts of bacon, sausage, and smoked pork. Baeckeoffe is a hearty casserole named for the Alsatian term for “baker’s oven.” Housewives would gather meat and vegetable scraps in an earthenware dish, and bring it to the local baker, who’d seal the lid with a strip of dough and leave it in his oven to be collected the next day. Today, it’s made at home but with the same pork, beef, lamb, and potatoes, simmered for hours in white wine.

Another iconic dish is flammekueche (or in French, tarte flambée), a chewy flatbread smothered with fromage blanc (a tangy fresh cheese), crème fraîche or sour cream, slivered onions, and crispy lardons of bacon. (It is also popular in Germany’s Baden and Palatinate regions.) Once upon a time flammekueche was considered peasant fare. Today it is as ubiquitous as pizza, but it may also grace upscale menus, perhaps topped with shrimp, scallops, lobster, duck, or that Alsatian specialty, foie gras.

Coq au Riesling is an intensely flavorful dish of chicken braised in white Riesling wine, accented with lardons of bacon and button mushrooms, and enriched with a silky touch of crème fraîche. Coq au Riesling is typically served with buttered noodles or mashed potatoes.

Alsatians love cheese and the local favorite may be munster, a small, creamy cheese made with unpasteurized milk, often dusted with cumin. Also popular is bibeleskaes, a cream cheese seasoned with garlic, onion, parsley, and sometimes, bacon. Smear some of this on a fresh-baked bretzel, a chewy Alsatian pretzel. You’ll find them in bakeries, bars and special bretzelleries. They

54 come salted or unsalted, immersed in emmental or munster cheese, flecked with bacon, drizzled with chocolate, or wrapped around a steamy, snappy knack sausage, so-named for the sound it makes when you bite into it. But it can also be enjoyed with a simple dusting of sugar.

More sugary treats will tempt you in Alsace’s many patisseries. When you are done sampling the beautiful éclairs, tartes, and madeleines, upgrade to the king of Alsatian desserts: kougelhopf. This moist cake is made from a brioche-type dough with dried fruits and nuts, and is baked in a special round fluted pan. If you visit around Christmas, you’ll find plenty of bredele, small cakes baked in many shapes and flavors such as anise, lemon, and ginger.

You will have plenty to toast during your journey. Of course you will want to raise a glass of dry Riesling or other white wine. But Alsace is also the main beer-producing region of France, thanks to Strasbourg’s many breweries. Or for something different, try kirsch, an eau-de-vie made from elderberries, cherries, strawberries, or whatever fruit is locally available.

Paris in Brief

City Layout and Details Paris occupies 432 square miles (six more than San Francisco). In central Paris, the Rive Droite (Right Bank)—the shore to the right as you face downriver—is north of the Seine, while the Rive Gauche (Left Bank) is south of the river. Streets that are more or less parallel to the Seine are numbered from east to west, in the direction in which the river flows. On streets that are perpendicular to the river (or approximately so), the numbering starts at the river; building numbers get higher the farther away from the Seine you go. Thirty-two bridges link the Right and Left banks, some providing access to the two small islands at the heart of the city. This city center, called Ile de la Cité, is the birthplace of Paris and includes the sites of Notre Dame and Ile St. Louis, a moat-guarded isle with 17th-century mansions.

Between 1860 and 1870 Baron Haussmann forever changed the look of Paris by creating the legendary boulevards: boulevards St. Michel, St. Germain, Haussmann, Malesherbes, Sebastopol, Magenta, Voltaire, and Strasbourg. The “main street” on the Right Bank is, of course, the Champs-Elysées, beginning at the Arc de Triomphe and running to the Place de la Concorde. Haussmann also created Avenue de l’Opera (as well as the Opera), and the twelve avenues that radiate star-like from the Arc de Triomphe, giving it its original name of Place de l’Etoile (renamed Place Charles de Gaulle following the general’s death). Today it is often referred to as Place Charles de Gaulle Etoile. Haussmann cleared Ile de la Cité of its medieval buildings, transforming it into a showcase for Notre Dame. Finally, he laid out the two elegant parks on the western and southeastern fringes of the city: Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes.

Paris has been divided since 1860 into 20 arrondissements (districts), which spiral out from the center of the city like a clockwise snail. Each district has its own city hall, police station, and main post office. All addresses include the arrondissement number (written in Roman or Arabic numerals and followed by “e” or “er”).

55 Laundry Service Self-service laundromats are available in Paris. The cost is approximately 7 euros to wash and dry one load of clothes. Your hotel also provides laundry services, but the fees are very high. It’s much less expensive to launder your clothes yourself.

Check Hours for Weekday Closures (Versailles, Louvre, etc.) Many major sights in and around Paris close one day a week, usually on a weekday. For example Versailles Palace and the Orsay Museum are closed on Mondays; the Louvre is closed Tuesdays. But on the bright side, the same museums usually offer extended evening hours (les nocturnes) one day a week. If a particular museum is important to you, we strongly recommend that you check their hours online or in a guidebook before you make any plans.

Eiffel Tower Tickets Many attractions allow you to purchase tickets online and in advance. More specifically, Eiffel Tower tickets can be purchased online at http://www.toureiffel.paris/en.html. Purchasing a ticket may be beneficial in the long run; however it must be purchased for a specific date and time. Tickets that are past their assigned day and time stamp cannot be transferred or refunded. With that being said, the Eiffel Tower is a very popular destination in Paris and the lines for tickets can be a long wait.

Be aware that a certain number of tickets are held back from online sales, and are sold at the tower itself for same day admission. If the date you wanted was not available online—or you don’t wish to purchase a ticket in advance-you can buy one of these tickets from the booth at the foot of the tower. Same-day tickets can go fast, so we suggest getting there early in the day.

Shopping Areas The French department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps both have flagship stores on the Boulevard Haussmann, near the Opera. Haute couture can be found in the streets around the Rue du Faubourg St. Honore. The Rue de Paradis is lined with crystal and china shops, and St. Germain des Pres has more than its share of art galleries. For great flea markets, head to the Puces de St. Ouen (near the Porte de Clignancourt)—but keep in mind that most vendors are open on the weekends only, so check the hours first. While bargaining is not common in France, it is acceptable at flea markets or occasionally at produce markets.

Local Transportation The underground Metro operates from 5:30 am to 1:15 am. It is clean, quiet, and easy to use. The different lines are identified by numbers ands the names of their terminals at either end. Every station has clear directional maps, some with push-button devices that light up the proper route after a destination button is pushed. Keep your ticket (you may need it to exit the station; and you will need it when you exit the RER – the rapid transit network – station). A ten-ticket book (carnet) is available at a reduced rate and is valid for Metro, RER and buses.

56 Taxis can be found at stands at main intersections, outside railway stations, and in the streets. Fares increase at night. The green light on the roof signifies availability.

Tips for Dining Out in France • Keep in mind that when you go to a restaurant or a café in France, the service may be slower than what you are used to and you will need to ask your server for the bill when you are ready to pay. The French consider it rude to rush their patrons or to present the bill without being asked.

• Tipping is not expected because a service charge is usually included in your bill, though you may consider leaving 1-2 Euros.

• In general, lunch is the main meal of the day, so you may find that some shops, banks, and offices close in the middle of the afternoon for an hour or two.

Getting Around in France Public transit: Metro (subway), buses, and trams—almost every city in France has reliable and inexpensive public transit. Often you must buy your ticket and then “validate” it by punching it in a machine or running it past a sensor.

Taxi: Taxis are widely available throughout the country.

Trains: France prides itself on it’s nationalized railway system, run by the SNCF, and even small towns often have daily train service for commuters. For longer trips, look for a TGV, or train a grande vitesse (high-speed train), which can take you cross-country in a matter of hours.

Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Shipping & More There may be scheduled visits to local shops during your vacation. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. Grand Circle is not responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases.

Returns If you discover an issue with an item, you should contact the vendor directly and expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. We recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Keep in mind, local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up or that you are guaranteed a refund.

57 Crafts & Souvenirs

France Perfumes, fashion, jewelry, art, glass, china, and wine—these are just a few of the many goods for which France is famous. Each region has its own specialties, but you can often then for sale in other parts of the country. If time is short, try checking out a big department store, like Galeries Lafayette or Printemps. Or look for the Prisunic and Monoprix chains, which have lower prices and are more for everyday shopping (sort of like the French version of Target).

• Paris: Fashion, art, antiques, perfume, food and wine—really, you can buy just about anything in Paris.

• Normandy: Look for salted caramels, rich cheeses, apple pastries, hard cider, and calvados apple brandy. Items with images of the Bayeux Tapestry are popular, as are anything with Joan of Arc (who spent her last days in Rouen). Lastly, World War II and D-Day are remembered in books, images, slogans, and more throughout the region.

• Provence: Typical products include fragrant lavender sachets and beauty products, olive oil, tapenade spread, rosé wines, and herbes de provence. The region is also known for its rustic pottery and anything with cicadas, as they are the unofficial mascot of Provence. And don’t forget the table linens and handbags in brightly-colored fabrics known as indienne patterns—the most sought-after (and expensive) are by Souleiado.

• The Rivera: Designer names dominate the French Riviera, but there are also plenty of local products too, especially at the colorful open-air markets.

• Bordeaux and the Southwest: The Bordeaux region is so famous for its wines that they are known all over the world just by the name of the region. In addition to wine, France’s southwest is also known for its fine foods, like foie gras, Toulouse sausages, and croquants (similar to biscotti). Lastly, Occitan crosses (also called Languedoc crosses) are symbolic of the region, as are items with artwork by Impressionist painter Toulouse-Lautrec.

Value-Added Tax: The French value-added tax (VAT) is typically 19.6% and can be as high as 33.33% on luxury articles. Depending on how much you spend on certain goods, you may be eligible for a partial refund of this tax. Ask the shopkeeper or salesperson at the time of purchase. Be sure to save all receipts for Customs. (Generally, you have to spend over 175€ at the same shop, on the same day, and have filled out a special form for this process.) Note that our ships do not have VAT forms.

U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511.

The top three points to know are:

58 • At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees.

• Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when the shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.

• It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

59 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY

France

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 248,573 square miles

• Capital: Paris

• Language: French

• Location: France is a large country, two and a half times as big as Great Britain, extending for some 600 miles from north to south and from east to west. It has coastlines on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Its southern land border is Spain; to the north are Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany; to the east are Switzerland and Italy.

• Geography: Except for extreme northern France, which is part of the Flanders plain, the country may be described as four river basins and a plateau. Three of the streams flow west—the Seine into the English Channel, the Loire into the Atlantic, and the Garonne into the Bay of Biscay. The Rhône flows south into the Mediterranean. For about 100 miles, the Rhine is France’s eastern border. In the Alps, near the Italian and Swiss borders, is Europe’s highest point—Mont Blanc, at 15,781 feet.

• Population: 66,836,154

• Religion: Roman Catholic 63-66%, Muslim 7-9%, Jewish .5-.75%, Buddhist .5-.75%, other .5-1.0%, none 23-28%

• Time Zone: France is on Central European Time, six hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is noon in Paris. Daylight Saving Time begins the last weekend in March and ends the last weekend in October.

60 National Holidays: France

In addition to the holidays listed below, 05/08 World War II Victory Day France celebrates a number of national 07/14 Bastille Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter and Whit Monday. To find out if you 08/15 Assumption of Mary will be traveling during these holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 11/01 All Saints’ Day

01/01 New Year´s Day 11/11 Armistice Day

05/01 Labor Day 12/25 Christmas Day

France: A Brief History That the French do things with flair has been borne out by history. Even their most famous prehistoric treasure, the 17,000-year old cave paintings of Lascaux, are a dazzling work of art. The rest of French history is just as dazzling, colored by events and ideas that have impacted all of humanity, far beyond the borders of this hexagon-shaped crucible of culture.

When the Celts arrived in Gaul in the 5th century BC, it was already occupied by Iberians, Ligurians, and Greeks, who established the oldest city in France, Massilia (Marseille). It was a major port with temples, theaters, an agora, and a flourishing wine trade. The city had forged an alliance with Rome by the time Julius Caesar conquered Gaul in 57-52 B.C. Julius often gets credit for founding Lutetia (Paris), but the Gallic Parisii tribe had already established a settlement there on the banks of the Seine. The Romans erected their own magnificent cities whose ruins still stand in Arles, Nimes, Vienne, Lyon, and beyond.

During the 5th century AD, the Franks invaded and converted to Christianity under Clovis I. A national spirit emerged when Charlemagne, King of the Franks, was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 800 AD. Though his reign left an indelible imprint, French national history is considered to begin in 987, when Hugh Capet centralized the monarchy. During the 12th and 13th centuries, trade prospered, guilds were founded, and cathedrals were built. But the 14th century brought the Hundred Years War with England (1337-1453), whose Norman kings held vast estates in France. The English were expelled and as in the days of Charlemagne, the throne held a powerful mystique, this time with the aid of Joan of Arc, whose divine voices urged her to lead France to victory at Orleans in 1429 and to champion Charles VII as king.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, France moved closer towards absolute monarchy, best exemplified by Louis XIV, whose reign was unequaled for its autocracy—and magnificent style. From Versailles, he presided over a gloriously gilded France—so resplendent that it earned him the title of “the Sun King.” Ironically, the very splendor of the French monarchy precipitated its downfall, for it was exorbitant to maintain. That burden fell to the peasants and middle class, as nobles and the clergy were exempt from the taxes. That ended with the French Revolution in 1789. King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were guillotined, the monarchy was abolished, and the new (but short-lived) First Republic was established.

61 The ensuing chaos led to the rise of Napoleon, who became emperor in 1804 and built an empire across nearly all of Europe. Though Napoleon was a dictator, his Napoleonic codes brought unprecedented legal rights and civil liberties to his domains, in many places ending feudalism. With his fall in 1814, the monarchy was restored. France’s Third Republic was founded in 1870, during which the groundbreaking Impressionist school of painting emerged, as well as the Modernist movement. From 1914-18, France fought with the Allies in World War I, prevailing but suffering devastating losses. Between wars, France nourished major intellectual movements: Constructivism, Dadaism, Surrealism, and Existentialism.

In 1940, France was invaded by Germany who set up a puppet government in Vichy under Marshal Philippe Petain. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, the Allies landed in Normandy and went on to liberate Paris in August. A provisional government was set up under General Charles de Gaulle. He remained France’s most influential statesman of the 20th (or perhaps any other) century, becoming president in 1958 until his resignation in 1969. Post-war France saw the break-up of its remaining colonial outposts. The country was one of the leaders in the founding of the European Union (1993) and the Eurozone (1999).

More recently France, like its European neighbors, had to contend with the fallout of the 2008 global economic crisis. Unemployment, immigration, structuring the post-Brexit EU, and climate change are some of the issues France must address with its historic resourcefulness—and characteristic flair.

62 RESOURCES: SUGGESTED READING & MOVIES